June 10, 2016

In the Spotlight (ITS) had the pleasure of interviewing
actor/singer/comedian Jack Rowles. Jack is one of the mainstays of Capitol
Steps, having been with the troupe for 15 years. This presidential nomination
year also marks Jack’s 10th season at Cranwell.

ITS: Describe a typical performance. Is each night unique?

Jack: Each night is unique. Each audience has its own
personality. For example, with a Capitol Steps show it seems that most
audiences have the personality of my mother. She laughs at everything, and her
laugh is one of those annoying cackles that comics love! (intended
affectionately)

ITS: How politically savvy were you prior to Capitol Steps?

Jack: Prior to Capitol Steps I was mainly familiar with that
news story about Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. After 15 years with the
group, I can name every Senator and Congressman dating back to 1963, give or
take a few in the Dakotas.

ITS: How easy or difficult is it to add new scripts and
become new characters?

Jack: Sure, we need to learn new material on a regular
basis, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR! But that's the easy part. Coming up with the new
material is the hard part. Our writers, Elaina Newport and Mark Eaton, are the
brains and brilliance behind this zany entertainment. After every show we meet
the audience in the lobby. Our audiences are not shy about offering their
opinions on everything, which can sometimes be as funny as the show. But, the
most common comment about our show is, "The writing is hilarious and
brilliant." I agree.

ITS: What are your favorite roles?

Jack: Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin, Mitt
Romney, and the Pope. Only because these are a few of the characters I am
playing in our current show. And, this particular year is being referred to as
the Golden Year in Political Satire. It's a great time to be in The Capitol
Steps!

ITS: Do you have input in the show's preparation?

Jack: I've contributed only two jokes. I know, not very
impressive. BUT, both of those jokes were Killer! Otherwise, I think each
performer comes up with a funny, fresh take on today's political figures.

ITS: Do you think of yourself as an actor, singer, comic, or
all three?

Jack: I like to think of myself as all three, but what
really matters is how others see me. Recently, I met a lovely couple on a
flight home from a show. After talking and laughing with them for a bit I
mentioned that I'm a performer. The woman then blurted out, "What are you?
A comic?" So, I guess I'm mainly a comic.

ITS: Are there any onstage or backstage anecdotes you would
like to talk about?

Jack: Jerry Springer came to our show. He sent word ahead
that he'd like to make a guest appearance. He's a huge fan. So, we added him to
one of the songs. After his bit, I was lined up to do the next song. WELL, I
guess I was totally star struck, because as soon as I went on stage I had no idea
what my first line was. I think I was taken by how different he was from his TV
persona. Or, I was worried that he might ask me if I had fathered the child of
my cousin's ex-girlfriend.

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